Maru and Friends® Dolls to Debut at Toy Fair 2018

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, there's a new doll at the North American International Toy Fair in New York: she's a Hispanic beauty named Maru.  Exhibiting for the first time, Maru and Friends have a lot to say about life in America as an immigrant. Maru's real-life story comes to life in the colorful storybooks that chronicle her journey.  Maru's story has proven to break barriers as an iconic figure that mirrors the face of America today!

Maru and Friends is a doll-making collaboration between a Hispanic businesswoman based in Miami, Maritza Gutierrez, and famed doll sculptor, Dianna Effner. Gutierrez wanted to bring forward the life of a young Hispanic girl in a doll and tell her story of growing up in America as an immigrant, and Effner fell in love with the character. 

The Maru and Friends doll collection currently includes six original ethnic characters (20"), and seven new Mini Pal ™ doll creations (13") plus a variety of fashionable outfits.

Maru Latina girl ™ is the main character, she's a beautiful dark hair, dark eyes beauty that's 20-inches and has realistic childlike facial features.  Her fashionable winter outfit comes with lots of goodies.

Maru is sold with her first edition, illustrated storybook, Forever Friends. The book introduces the reader to her heartfelt life story in America. The storybooks are written by the creator, Maritza Gutierrez.

Each doll has realistic childlike features that promote the angelic beauty of children. They are so life-like that for a moment, you think it's a child—not a doll. The clothing and accessories are not only modern in design, but every stitch, color and fabric choice is made with care.  However, it is the story that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more.

Maru and Friends will be exhibiting at New York Toy Fair, Launch Pad Booth #4319, from February 17-20, 2018. Visit the Maru and Friends Toy Fair press kit here: http://toyfair.vporoom.com/maruandfriends.

About the Artist
The Maru and Friends® doll collection is sculpted by the award-winning, American artist, Dianna Effner. Dianna has been making collectible porcelain dolls for more than 35 years. She is a master doll artist that has perfected her craft, capturing the tender features of a child's face in her doll creations. Her unique style and perfection of lifelike fine collectible dolls are only available at Maru and Friends®.

About Maru and Friends
The Maru and Friends dolls are no stranger to recognition; the brand has been decorated with many notable toy industry awards for their excellence and educational approach.  These include the Teachers Choice Award, Toy of the Year, by Creative Child Magazine, Dolls of the Year by the Doll Magazine, The Oppenheimer and The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

For more information, visit www.maruandfriends.com or contact Maritza Gutierrez at 786-236-7885, maritza@maruandfriends.com

SOURCE Maru and Friends